Category Archives: What’s New

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month through STEAM

Posted on by

Join us in celebrating Native American Heritage Month through STEAM

November marks the beginning of Native American Heritage Month, and Orlando Science Center is celebrating through STEAM by highlighting some amazing indigenous people and their incredible contributions to art and preservation!

How did Native American Heritage Month begin?

In the early 1900s, Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a member of the Seneca Nation and director of the Museum of Arts and Science in Rochester, NY, persuaded the Boy Scouts of America to set aside a day for the “First Americans.” The first official “American Indian Day” was celebrated in New York, with others following suit in 1916. In 1990, November was first declared “National American Indian History Month.”

From making moccasins to classic culinary dishes, hear directly from indigenous makers to learn about art that originated in native traditions, and the importance of preserving and celebrating cultures through STEAM! 

Learn more and support these featured makers:

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month at Orlando Science Center on your next visit! 

Catch a film! 

 Despite the rise in commercially published books and films by Native American, Indigenous, and First Nations authors and directors, Indigenous people are still underrepresented in literature, movies, and other forms of media. 

Now playing in Dr. Phillips CineDome, Into America’s Wild visits some of the most beautiful landscapes of America! Set out on this journey with trailblazers – astronaut John Herrington, and Alaskan pilot and youth advocate Ariel Tweto, and long-distance hiker Jennifer Pharr Davis – who share a passion for connecting people to experiences in the wild.

 

Gather around for storytime! 

In order for more space to be made for Native stories in media, it is important to support Native and Indigenous works. Our Early Childhood Education Specialists have shared some of their favorite picture books, check one out for your next storytime, or join us in KidsTown on your next visit! 

  • Sweetest Kulu by Celina Kalluk, illustrated by Alexandria Neonakis
  • We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade.
  • When We Were Alone by David Robertson, illustrated by Julie Flett 
  • The Sharing Circle: Stories about First Nations Culture by Theresa Meuse, illustrated by Arthur Stevens
a collage of childrens books

 

Tweet about it! 

Did you know that Purple Martins famously don't build their own nests? 

Learn out how Native tribes shaped Purple Martin birds, their nesting habits and how we can better practice conservation efforts for migratory birds! 

How Native American Tribes Shaped Purple Martin Birds

Unique Reptiles at Orlando Science Center

Posted on by

You can meet these magically unique reptiles at Orlando Science Center! 

The fantastic beasts: prehensile-tailed skinks. Where to find them: Orlando Science Center

Say hello to our new and unique reptiles at Orlando Science Center — Gryffin, Sly, Raven, and Puff, four prehensile-tailed skinks who have found a new forever home.  

 

They don’t have their own broomsticks yet, so they flew to us via airplane all the way from California. They were confiscated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service in a wildlife trafficking incident. Their bewitching good looks make this species a popular target for the pet trade. Gryffin, Raven, and Sly were collected in the Solomon Islands (located north of Australia) and illegally brought into the United States before being found by wildlife authorities.  

Following their rescue, Raven gave birth to Puff!

These reptiles lay their eggs inside their body and the young hatch within the parent’s body. A group of skinks is called a circulus and all of the adults in the circulus help to raise the baby. Puff seems to prefer spending most of their time with Sly, the other adult female. We are especially excited to watch Puff grow into an adult skink! 

When the skinks were first rescued, they were underweight and fighting off a parasite infection. They have been under the care of our animal experts, and we are happy to report that our veterinarian now deems them to be in excellent health! We are honored to provide a forever home and quality care to these big lizards with a big story!  

two unique reptile skinks cuddling
a skink on a stick with a gryffindor flag in the background
a momma skink on a stick with a ravenclaw flag in the background
a baby skink on a stick with a hufflepuff flag in the background
a skink on a stick with a slytherin flag in the background

STEM Picture Books to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

Posted on by

KidsTown shares their favorite STEM picture books to read to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana! Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! 
 
Did you know, the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th to October 15th? This marks a month-long celebration and observance of the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans who come from -- or whose ancestors come from -- Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central & South America.
 
To help celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, our Early Childhood Education Specialists in KidsTown shared some of their favorite STEM picture books featuring Hispanic authors and illustrators. Join us in celebrating stories featuring prominent Hispanic leaders, scientists, and innovators!
 

Lucía the Luchadora

Written by: Cynthia Leonor Garza
Illustrated by: Alyssa Bermudez

Lucía zips through the playground in her cape just like the boys, but when they tell her "girls can't be superheroes," suddenly she doesn't feel so mighty.

That's when her beloved abuela reveals a dazzling secret: Lucía comes from a family of luchadoras, the bold and valiant women of the Mexican lucha libre tradition. Cloaked in a flashy new disguise, Lucía returns as a recess sensation! But when she's confronted with a case of injustice, Lucía must decide if she can stay true to the ways of the luchadora and fight for what is right, even if it means breaking the sacred rule of never revealing the identity behind her mask. 

picture book: Lucia the Luchadora by

A Song of Frutas

 
Written by: Margarita Engle

Illustrated by: Sara Palacios 

When we visit mi abuelo, I help him sell
frutas, singing the names of each fruit
as we walk, our footsteps like drumbeats,
our hands like maracas, shaking…

The little girl loves visiting her grandfather in Cuba and singing his special songs to sell all kinds of fruit: mango, limón, naranja, piña, and more! Even when they’re apart, grandfather and granddaughter can share rhymes between their countries like un abrazo—a hug—made of words carried on letters that soar across the distance like songbirds.

Hispanic heritage month book: A Song of Frutas Book by Margarita Engle

Dia de Los Muertos

 
Written by: Roseanne Greenfield Thong

Illustrated by: Carles Ballesteros 

El Día de Muertos, Day of the Dead, is here―a holiday for celebrating the lives of departed family and friends. Altars are decorated with sugar skulls and marigolds. Tamales and sweets are ready to eat. Soon it will be time for picnics, music, and a costume parade! Come join in these joyful and vibrant festivities that are a tradition in Mexico, the United States, and throughout Latin America.

A picture book to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos

La Princesa and the Pea

 
Written by: Susan Middleton Elya 

Illustrated by: Juana Martinez-Neal

El príncipe knows this girl is the one for him, but, as usual, his mother doesn’t agree. The queen has a secret test in mind to see if this girl is really a princesa, but the prince might just have a sneaky plan, too . . .

Readers will be enchanted by this Latino twist on the classic story, and captivated by the vibrant art inspired by the culture of Peru.

Hispanic picture book: La Princesa and the Pea

Off we go to Mexico

 
Written by: Laurie Krebs 

Illustrated by: Christopher Corr

Off We Go to Mexico

Looking for more books to celebrate and learn about Hispanic Heritage Month?

Check out some of the theses different activities to try at home from Scholastic! Try one out and use it as an opportunity to recognize the contributions of Hispanic Americans to U.S. culture!

LEARN MORE

Mythbusting Misinformation

Posted on by

Evidence is Essential

One of the biggest and most beautiful challenges we face is that our understanding of the world is constantly changing based on new discoveries and information. Knowledge is not static. Theories change and evolve. As we continue to learn, we continue to grow.

The process of science is messy. It's full of observation and experimentation, theories and hypotheses. We must remain open to new information and use our critical thinking skills to test that information against a body of evidence. Science is a never-ending pursuit of knowledge to solve complex problems that help us better navigate this complicated world. 

This means that what we believe to be true may change as new data comes into play. There are very few absolutes in the world of science learning. To help our public navigate these confusing times, Orlando Science Center launched Science Matters, which is a public information campaign that supports science literacy, both online and on the exhibit floor. 

Our latest campaign addresses how to use critical thinking to make informed decisions, including evaluating evidence and data related to science topics. Below you will find resources and activities to help you and your loved ones, including your children, develop confidence and new skills with using this process to make informed choices.

Proof is a Process

The scientific method is based on inductive reasoning, which means that scientists make observations and test them to reach a conclusion. The method is a cyclical process, and each conclusion often leads to a new observation.

The scientific method applies to so much more than just science, though! Anyone can use the scientific method to test observations in their everyday lives.

There is a lot of information regarding scientific topics presented without evidence-based reasoning or fact checking.

Applying the Scientific Method and Critical Thinking to Your Decision Making

Using this method can be incredibly useful when trying to make informed choices.  For example, imagine you see a post on social media that says Pluto has been declared a planet again. You might ask yourself, “Is this true? What about the reasons scientists gave for reclassifying Pluto as a dwarf planet?” You might think to yourself, “I bet they were convinced by all the people who were campaigning to include Pluto in our solar system.”

So, you investigate. You look at the source of the information and discover that it’s a personal blog for an aspiring astronomer who has no professional qualifications. You visit the websites of nationally recognized experts on astronomy, including NASA and the International Astronomical Union, which is the group that decides definitions for Astronomy and planets.

You have discovered that none of these credible sources agree that Pluto is a part of our solar system. You’ve done your analysis and concluded that your hypothesis was incorrect. You’ve just applied the scientific method to information you found online!

Resources for Understanding the Scientific Method

The Scientific Method: Steps, Examples, Tips, and Exercise

From Sprouts, an organization dedicated to explaining complicated ideas in simple cartoon animations, this video is a kid-friendly introduction to the scientific method. 

How Simple Ideas Lead to Scientific Discoveries 

Adam Savage – widely known for his time on the hit show MythBusters – may not have a college degree, but he has a curious mind and shows that anyone can use the scientific method to learn something new!

An Introduction to Misinformation

Let’s put the scientific method to use by exploring how we can use it to identify misinformation. That means we first need to understand what misinformation is. It can be as difficult to explain as it is to recognize! These videos do a great job at introducing the topic of misinformation.

Resources for Teens, Adults & Educators

Temple University's "Fake News", Misinformation and Disinformation: How to identify and avoid inaccurate information. is a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to learn more about discerning trustworthy sources. The site gives an overview of types of "Fake News" and how to identify it, as well as resources for practicing your evaluation skills, tools for fact checking, unconscious bias assessments and so much more. 

Educators, be sure to check out Temple's Teaching Resources page for activities and content to help you broach the subject of misinformation with your students!

Resources for Families with Young Children

  • From PBS: How to Talk to Kids About Honesty. Despite our best parenting efforts, most kids are going to lie sometimes. In this article, experts share how to encourage children to speak openly and honestly.
  • From Parents: Age-by-Age Guide to Lying: How to Teach Kids About Honesty. In this article, experts outline the reasons why children lie at different ages as well as some age-appropriate strategies for addressing deception as caregivers teach their children to value honesty.
  • From Scholastic: The Truth About Lying: Learning to fib is an important step in your child's development. Learning to lie plays an important and positive role in normal development of skills such as independence, perspective taking, and emotional control. This article outlines how, developmentally, lying evolves in young children and shares some strategies for helping children develop a better understanding of truthfulness

You're Almost Ready to Put Your Knowledge to the Test!

Check out these videos to learn critical skills, such as identifying a misleading graph (very important and very common in scientific research!). Plus, learn how misinformation can spread and what your role in the cycle is!

Test Your Truth-Detectors!

At Orlando Science Center, we are still learning new things every day about how to be better communicators and purveyors of information. As we find new games and tools to help us improve, we want to share them with you! Try out the games below (and check back for more games soon!) to test your truth sleuthing skills, or come visit the Science Center, where you'll get hands on with Pop-Up Science programming around the building!

Bad News (For Ages 14+)

This game is designed to help players expose the tactics and manipulation techniques that are used to mislead people and build up a following. Bad News works as a psychological "vaccine" against disinformation: playing it builds cognitive resistance against common forms of manipulation that you may encounter online.

AutoCorrect

An interactive experience that will teach you how to sift through misinformation and analyze your own sources.

National Hummingbird Day

Posted on by

Happy National Hummingbird Day! 

Wildlife — Conservation — Awareness

National Hummingbird Day is celebrated each year on the first Saturday in September. Hummingbirds are incredibly adapted pollinators, which makes them very important to their ecosystems. Three quarters of the world's flowers depend on pollinators like hummingbirds, insects, and bats for pollination! Join us to learn more about these incredible, tiny birds, how we can support our fluttering friends, and even make your own Hummingbird Feeder!

Fun Facts About Hummingbirds

The most common hummingbird seen in Florida is the ruby-throated hummingbird, which weighs approximately 1/4 ounce. That's as light as a penny!

Hummingbirds belong to the avian family Trochilidae. Trochilines often have iridescent feathers of metallic red, orange, green and blue. They are the only birds that can truly hover!

Hummingbirds use wicking action to draw nectar into their mouths using their long, narrow bills and tongues.

  • Of the 338 known hummingbird species, all can be found exclusively in the Americas; 16 are found in the United States; and 3 occur in Florida!
  • Hummingbirds can beat their wings up to 200 times per second, creating the humming sound that gave them their name.
  • Hummingbirds can suspend their bodies in midair, fly backwards, upwards, and even upside-down, much like helicopters.
  • Most hummingbirds will pollinate and feed from a wide variety of flowers, but they are mostly attracted to plants that produce:
    • Large amounts of nectar with substantial sugar content to sustain their high-speed habits.
    • Red and orange flowers or bracts.
    • Flowers that are long and tubular and point downward.
    • Long stamen that deposit pollen on the hummingbird's forehead.

What We Can Do to Help Hummingbirds

  • More than half of the hummingbird species live in the tropics, so purchasing shade-grown coffee is an effective way to protect hummingbird habitats.
  • In Florida, hummingbirds nest spring through summer, so having lots of tubular flowering plants and hummingbird feeders is helpful!
  • When shopping for a hummingbird feeder, choose one with red fixtures, multiple feeding stations, and a means to monitor nectar levels. It’s best to clean your feeder once a week with hot water.
  • Petroleum jelly is an environmentally friendly way to deter pests such as ants from invading your feeder!
  • Hummingbird food sources can be implemented easily by providing sugar water in hummingbird feeders and planting flowers, such as:
    • Bottlebrush (Callistemon citrinus and Callistemon viminalis)
    • Cigar Flower (Russelia equisetiformis)
    • Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
    • Coral Bean (Erythrina herbacea)
    • Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
    • Firebush (Hamelia patens)
    • Firecracker plant (Russelia equisetiformis)
    • Firespike (Odontonema cuspidatum)
    • Horsemint (Monarda punctata)
    • Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia)
    • Scarlet Salvia (Salvia coccinea)
    • Shrimp plant (Justicia brandegeana)
    • Soap aloe (Aloe maculata)
    • Starburst Clerodendrum (Clerodendrum quadriloculare)
    • Turk’s Cap Mallow (Malvaviscus penduliflorus and Malvaviscus arboreus)
    • Swamp mallow (Hibiscus coccineus)

Make Your Own Hummingbird Feeder

Supplies: 

  • 3 plastic bottles, empty with labels removed
  • 3 yellow drinking straws with a bend
  • 3 disposable plastic red plates
  • Electric drill
  • Hole punch
  • 12 gauge craft wire
  • Rubber band
  • White glue
  • Scissors

Step 1: Trace and cut out a flower shape on each red plate.

Step 2: Use the drill to create a hole in the top of each bottle cap that is just wide enough for a straw to fit through.

Step 3: Punch a hole in the center of each red plastic flower and thread each one onto the end of a straw. Insert the straw into the cap of a bottle and seal with white glue. Make sure the bend of the straw is just outside the cap opening so the straw bends at an angle as it comes out of the bottle. This is where the hummingbird will drink from!

Step 4: Arrange the flower so it is at the end of the staw's bend to attract the hummingbirds. Glue in place. (You'll need to remove the cap to add nectar to the bottles, so keep that in mind as you apply glue!). 

Step 5: Allow to dry overnight.

Step 6: Once set, wrap the wire around the neck of a bottle, then pull it up to create a hanger for the bottle.

Step 7: You can attach all three of your bottles together in a pyramid shape to create a larger feeding station! Use the rubber band to go around the top and hold the bottles together.

Make Your Own Hummingbird Nectar

During hot, dry weather, when hummingbirds risk dehydration, it's best to make your nectar mixture no stronger than a quarter cup of sugar per cut of water.

Recipe:

  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1/4 cup white table sugar

Steps:

  1. Mix sugar with hot water until completely dissolved.
  2. Let cool to room temperature.
  3. Add mixture to hummingbird feeder!
Donate to Orlando Science Center to continue supporting conservation awareness in Central Florida!

Reflections from an Orlando Science Center Volunteer

Posted on by

Catalyst Youth Volunteer Nathien looks back on his 200+ hours with OSC 

Orlando Science Center is lucky to work with many amazing volunteers throughout the year, and hopefully our guests have had the chance to meet Nathien. Nathien is a recent graduate from University High School who started volunteering at OSC in 2019. He has since given over 200 community service hours to help us inspire science learning for life as a Catalyst Youth Volunteer! 
 
Nathien’s tasks as a Catalyst Youth Volunteer included performing science pop-up activities, facilitating learning experiences in the exhibit halls, and helping with supply prep, clean up, and customer service during special events. Nathien also participated in OSC’s virtual volunteering program during the COVID pandemic, where he created content that has been displayed throughout the Science Center!

 

We reached out to Nathien during Disability Pride Month to ask him about his experience as a volunteer, what memories stand out to him, and what tips he has for others who may want to volunteer!

OSC: Hi Nathien! Tell us a little about yourself. What got you interested in volunteering at Orlando Science Center? 
 
Nathien: 
Hi! My name is Nathien and I’m 20 years old. I graduated this year from University High School, and I love theater, sports, dancing, and being active! I have Autism, as well. 
 
I wanted to volunteer at Orlando Science Center because I wanted to get service hours, and I was hoping to gain work experience, too. It was the best decision I made joining the Youth Visitor Experience Team!

OSC: Looking back at your time volunteering, what stands out to you? 
 
Nathien: 
Volunteering made me step out of my comfort zone. I got to work on my social skills, and because I was always volunteering with a partner, I got to practice working on a team. Since starting to volunteer, I’ve been more social, made more friends, gained a lot of hours, and boosted my confidence. 
 
I remember one day I was doing a science pop-up activity and my partner told me they were nervous because they never really talked to or socialized with a lot of people before. We came up with a little skit together and practiced it to help us attract an audience. They had the biggest smile on their face when we got to perform it for people! 
 
After that, whenever I passed by, I would see them interacting with guests and socializing and having a great time! I remember they told me “Thank you!” and hugged me. I’ll never forget that. 

a photo of Nathie and Director of Volunteers

OSC: What tips would you have for someone who wants to volunteer at a place like the Orlando Science Center? 
 
Nathien: 
I learned a lot while volunteering that might be helpful for others. 
 
Number one: Be yourself! 
Number two: Pay very close attention to the training so you can do the best job possible. 
Number three: Be helpful! There are lots of things you can do as a volunteer, if you follow the rules and try to help, you will be a great teammate. 
 
OSC: Any last things you want to share? 
 
Nathien: 
Volunteering helped me grow as a person. I learned a lot and grew with other people on my team. Looking back, I just really gained a lot from the experience. Having Autism didn’t stop me from achieving my goal, and it doesn’t define who I am. July is Disability Pride Month, so just be yourself and have fun! 

The next time you see Nathien, or any of the hundreds of other wonderful, hardworking, and fun volunteers – please say hello!

 

Are you looking for an opportunity to help your community, work with fascinating people, or earn volunteer hours for school? 

Become a volunteer! We’re looking for eager, passionate team members who want to make a difference in their community! 

Adult volunteer during the Otronicon event interacting with guests.

Adult Volunteers

Donate your time to bring the Science Center to life in a way that complements your expertise and interests.

LEARN MORE

Youth volunteer helping summer camp students measure ingredients for an experiment.

Catalyst Youth Volunteers

Gain valuable skills and make new friends while giving back to the community. Opportunities are available year-round.

LEARN MORE

Orlando Science Center Awarded Major NASA Grant

Posted on by

Collaboration will take STEM engagement directly to underserved students in neighborhood community centers, including a nationwide engineering design challenge

NASA has recently awarded Orlando Science Center (OSC) a three-year $795,000 grant to support a multi-year partnership with national reach that implements weekly STEM engagement for youth from underserved communities across the City of Orlando. The Science Center was one of only three institutions nationwide to receive funding in this cycle. As NASA presses forward with plans to return astronauts to the Moon through the Artemis missions and expand our understanding of the universe with the James Webb Space Telescope, the agency is working to ensure students across the U.S. can have the opportunity to share in the excitement of space exploration.

NASA has recently awarded Orlando Science Center (OSC) a three-year $795,000 grant to support a multi-year partnership with national reach that implements weekly STEM engagement for youth from underserved communities across the City of Orlando. The Science Center was one of only three institutions nationwide to receive funding in this cycle. As NASA presses forward with plans to return astronauts to the Moon through the Artemis missions and expand our understanding of the universe with the James Webb Space Telescope, the agency is working to ensure students across the U.S. can have the opportunity to share in the excitement of space exploration.

Orlando Science Center has launched Neighborhood Science, an initiative focused on providing high-quality STEM education for multiple days each week in afterschool programs and community centers within underserved neighborhoods. The first Neighborhood Science program will feature a STEM lab in the Grand Avenue Community Center in Orlando’s Holden Heights neighborhood. Through consistent and authentic STEM learning, this program will help address the rising demand for STEM careers in Florida and the intense underrepresentation of women and people of color in STEM fields across the country.

The NASA award will support a collaboration between OSC, NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Swampworks, and the City of Orlando’s Grand Avenue neighborhood community center. Content will be in alignment with ARTEMIS and NASA’s Communication Themes (Humans in Space & Moon to Mars). It will also create and launch a new engineering design challenge for teams that can be scaled nationwide in year 3. This project will enable participants to work together to authentically contribute to NASA’s ARTEMIS mission using virtual engineering platforms like TinkerCAD, real-world materials and supplies, and evidence-based engineering designs. Participating youth will create a solution to a problem identified by NASA KSC Swampworks that astronauts engaged in the ARTEMIS mission may face as they live in space or travel from the Moon to Mars.

“We are excited to partner with the Orlando Science Center and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Swampworks to bring a STEM lab directly to our young residents at the newly renovated Grand Avenue Neighborhood Center,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “We are grateful for such partnerships and collaboration to ensure our young residents have more opportunities to learn, grow and thrive in the City of Orlando.”

NASA’s TEAM II grant program provided substantial multi-year funding to only three informal education organizations nationwide during this cycle. Projects were selected with the goal of helping to inspire the next generation of explorers through STEM learning – and to expand student participation in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Informal education institutions, such as science museums, planetariums, libraries, and zoos are uniquely positioned to reach students, including those who are historically underserved and underserved in STEM fields.

NatureWorks is Under Construction

Posted on by

Orlando Science Center is breathing new life into NatureWorks! 

NatureWorks is currently closed to the public while we make way for Life, a new exhibit on nature and conservation premiering spring 2024.

We understand that you may have some questions about this transition, so please read on to learn more!

Where are the animals?

What is the meaning of Life?

Life is an exciting new exhibit that will take guests on a journey through three unique habitats. Through hands-on activities and animal encounters, guests will learn how they can positively impact and protect life all around our changing planet.

Photo by Courtney Shapiro

How long will it be under construction?

Design and production of an all-new exhibit experience is a time-consuming process, and our team is working with world-class exhibit designers to make sure this one-of-a-kind opportunity is just right. Life will be premiering at the Science Center in Spring 2024.

Where will the animals go?

While all our animal encounters happen on the exhibit floor, we have several areas behind the scenes where we care for our critters so none will be displaced during this transformation. A few of our friends are moving to new residences at partner zoos, aquariums, and science centers, but many of your favorite animal ambassadors will remain to help us engage and educate visitors.

Will there still be animal encounters during construction?

Yes! The animals in our care will remain active ambassadors for the Science Center through animal encounter experiences and meet and greets around the building. We also have presentations and programs starring our animals so you can learn even more!

Will the Cypress tree and swamp still exist?

You won’t have to say “see you later” to our gators! Florida wildlife and environmental conservation are very important to the Science Center. The iconic swamp will be upgraded and be featured as one of three unique habitats in Life, which will include our gigantic and beloved Cypress tree plus some new features.

Will Life introduce new animals?

We feel the best way to tell the story of our changing world is through the animals that call it home. Get ready to make several new friends when Life premieres spring 2024. Stay tuned for exciting updates to be unveiled along the way!

Photo by Roberto Gonzalez

STEM Surfboard Lesson for Kids • The History and Science of Duke Kahanamoku

Posted on by

Dive into the history of Duke Kahanamoku with a history and STEM surfboard lesson for kids

You've probably heard the term "The Big Kahuna" in reference to an important person, thing, or objective. But where does this term come from? This Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we're diving into the history of the original Big Kahuna - Olympic Medalist, and the Father of Surfing - Duke Kahanamoku with this history and STEM surfboard lesson for kids of all ages!

 

While surf, sun, and swimming have become synonymous with the Hawaiin Islands, this has not always been the case.

At this time, Hawaii was in the midst of many cultural and governmental changes. The expansion of Christianity and foreign missionary influences were having a major impact on Hawaiian heritage and traditions such as surfing. By the end of the 19th century, foreign missionaries had almost erased surfing - or the act of riding waves - from the Hawaiian Islands.

This is where Duke Kahanamoku rides in!

The Big Kahuna was born in Haleʻākala in 1890. He was an excellent surfer, 5-time Olympic Swimming Medalist, actor, and proud representative of his native land. He and a group of fellow surfers even saved the lives of eight after a wave sank their 40-foot boat!

His Kahanamoku Kick swimming technique, superior surfing, and all-around positive passion gave Duke the opportunity to share his skills with the world. He began participating and teaching in surfing exhibitions around the world, going on to become the first person to be inducted into both the Surfing Hall of Fame and the Swimming Hall of Fame.

Sure enough, surfing started to become popular in Hawaii again! Despite the emerging designs including lighter, hollow boards, Duke preferred his own surfboards to be made from koatree using traditional Hawaiian methods, bringing his roots back into the sport. His natural abilities and love of the sport led him to become the legendary surfer known as “The Big Kahuna” and the “Father of Surfing.”

As we reflect on Duke’s life and accomplishments, let’s also look back at his culture and childhood. Duke came from a well-known family that ruled several kingdoms. This gave him a deep appreciation and understanding of Hawaiian culture, which he fought for throughout his entire life. In 1959, when Hawaii became the 50th US State, Kahanamoku was officially named the State of Hawaii Ambassador of Aloha.

There is a statue of Duke in Hawaii near the beach where his ashes were spread. He will forever be loved by the people of Hawaii and looked at as a hero. Because of his talents and passion for surfing, he is known for giving Hawaii a new dimension of international stature, stating that, "he was the soul of dignity."

He is still well loved in his native home of Hawaii, but he is also beloved by surfers everywhere. Not only was he a hero, a great person, and a pioneer-- he was just an all-around good person who fought for Hawaiian culture and surfing.

This summer when you’re hitting the waves with your surfboard, think about the origin, and thank Duke for making surfing what it is today. Surfs up!

a statue of duke kahanamoku in hawaii

Expand with an activity! 

 

Whether you're hitting the beach, the pool, or creating a tropical getaway in your own backyard, add a little science to your summer with you this surfing STEM lesson for kids! 

Surfboards can come in all shapes and sizes and are made out of different kinds of materials depending on the surf. Using materials you can find around the house and a little creative flair, learn about the science of surfboards with this easy DIY activity! 

Surf's Up!
a photo of small colorful foam surfboards

A Letter from an OSC Events Intern

Posted on by

A Letter From An Events Intern

In late 2021, I was searching for an internship position in Central Florida to gain more experience in the events industry. After contacting countless businesses and companies, the Orlando Science Center’s Meetings and Events Department reached out to me to offer an internship position with their team. Reflecting on all the events I helped facilitate and the in-depth knowledge I have gained as an events intern, I am confident when I say that interning at the Orlando Science Center is one of the greatest decisions I have made.

The events industry is vast. It ranges from corporate meetings to weddings to trade shows. Although the Orlando Science Center mostly hosts weddings, it does bring in many different types of events including fundraisers, meetings, and corporate galas, just to name a few. As a meetings and events intern, I have learned many tips and tricks as well as best practices that will undoubtedly prove to be beneficial in my professional endeavors, no matter what sector of the events industry I pursue.

This internship opportunity has not only been skillfully enriching, it has also been outright fun. All events and weddings are different, which is why I love them. Every time I come in for my shifts, there is always something new to do. For instance, I once found myself building a couple’s Harry Potter Lego set for their wedding day decorations! If you enjoy hands-on activities and inputting your own creative touch, you will love interning at the Orlando Science Center.

Live Happy Studio
Katie Fletcher Photo

As part of the Meetings and Events Department, I have gained extensive event production abilities by creating contracts, submitting work orders, developing event production schedules, and so much more. This internship also pushes you to develop your interpersonal skills with all types of personnel including staff from other departments, your supervisors, and event vendors. Talking about vendors, this position has helped me become more familiar with our local Central Florida vendors and distinguish who are the top service providers in the City Beautiful.

Vendors are crucial in all sectors of the event industry so acquainting myself with experienced businesses and being able to distinguish quality service will definitely be fruitful in the long run. This image below shows MJ from Junction 88, one of the preferred entrainment providers at the Orlando Science Center. He dressed up in Jedi cosplay for a Star Wars-loving couple! As an intern, you truly will be able to differentiate those highly dedicated vendors, like MJ, who go above and beyond.

All in all, putting everything that the Orlando Science Center has taught me into words is simply not possible. You learn how to implement the right lighting for events, how to facilitate vendor load-in and load-out to minimize waiting, what a standard wedding timeline looks like, and overall, how to exceed a client’s expectations by creating the most phenomenal event for them. I would recommend interning with the Orlando Science Center’s Meeting and Events Department in a heartbeat because I am confident that you will love it as much as I did.

Interested in joining the OSC team?

We are looking for highly passionate and dedicated people to help support our mission of inspiring science learning for life. Orlando Science Center offers a variety of employment opportunities which vary from entry level positions to supervisory and management roles. 

Browse Our Job Listings